God breathed Joy's first breath to life, and her last breath was her first breath of new life with Jesus, forever.

Joy Laverne Strickland, 89, of Dublin, Texas was born to Emma Ruth and Fred Hodges in Milford, Texas.

Joy was a loving and faithful wife to her husband of 73 years, Barney Eugene Strickland.

Her purpose in life was to glorify God. Through persistent prayer, Joy immersed herself in the Word of God.  She not only studied the Word, she shared God's Word with all her family, living by example.  As in Matthew 16:24, Joy, in her own way, embraced Jesus to follow Him.

She lovingly devoted herself to all, including her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and friends, through daily prayer.

Joy leaves behind her husband, Barney, sister, Linda Hair, her children Barney Jr. (Linda), Julie Pope (Rick), Karen Keaton, Kevin (Jodie), 12 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

A visitation will be held Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at Harrell Funeral Home from 11:00am to1:15pm. Graveside Services will follow at the New Dublin Liveoak Cemetery at 1:30pm.